Maryland transportation officials are about to embark on a study of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with an eye to future capacity as well as more immediate issues.

A 2006 task force called the issue of adding more spans to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge "complex, controversial and compelling." That sums it up pretty well, and that's why having these discussions now, with an increasing sense of urgency, is wise.

The latest study, which may start in just weeks, is primarily intended to determine a couple of things:

? At what point will the cost of repairing the existing spans be more costly than replacing them?

? What will need to be done in the meantime to keep the bridge safe for travelers?

As much as some folks claim they'd be happier without the bridge at all, there's really no going back. Our economy, our lifestyle, health and welfare all rely on that lifeline of concrete and steel. The bridge enables easy and inexpensive shipping of everything from food, medicines, furniture, clothing and virtually anything else we purchase and use. Without it, overnight mail delivery would be unreliable at best.

In the absence of that aging structure, we would not have the lifestyle we enjoy today. Our economy would suffer grave damage.

Better to have answers to these questions now rather than when some structural crisis closes the bridge for months or years, creating personal inconvenience and perhaps irreparable economic damage.

Whether it's erecting a third span, adding bus and carpool lanes, reverting to ferries to ease congestion or adding rail access, getting an increasing volume of traffic, people and goods across the bay is an issue that will not disappear if it's ignored.

Count on one thing: A safe, adequate Bay Bridge makes life better.

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OPINION: Chesapeake Bay Bridge's future begins now

A 2006 task force called the issue of adding more spans to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge 'complex, controversial and compelling.' That sums it up pretty well, and that's why having these discussions now,